Boparan Holdings appoints former Co-op executive as managing director

Matt Hood is set to join Boparan Holdings as chief executive, with responsibility for Boparan Private Office, the group’s investment division. The portfolio includes a range of food manufacturing companies, among them 2 Sisters Food Group.

Hood is moving from grocery retailer Co-op, where he held a number of senior positions during a 14-year career. Before joining Co-op, he worked for Tesco. Across more than two decades, he has developed extensive experience in UK grocery retail and food manufacturing.

His expertise covers commercial buying, own-label sourcing, brand development and strategic leadership at board level. He will report directly to president Ranjit Boparan and join the group’s senior executive team.

The appointment comes as businesses across the food and beverage industry respond to changing food manufacturing trends, advances in food processing technology and evolving food distribution trends. It also reflects the growing importance of food and drink industry innovation, food and drink sustainability, food and drink regulations, food and drink packaging, food and drink marketing and shifting food and drink consumer trends.

Commenting on the appointment, Boparan said: “This is an important appointment and I am delighted Matt has chosen to join us at this pivotal time. He has operated at the highest level in UK food and retail, and understands the relationship between customers, retailers and food manufacturers.

“I am confident he will provide strong commercial and brand leadership across our portfolio, supporting our NextGen strategy, strengthening how we serve customers and helping secure a sustainable food supply chain for future generations.”

Hood will lead the group’s commercial and brand development strategy across its manufacturing operations and consumer-facing brands. His responsibilities will cover customer and channel planning, sales, customer and supplier relationships, product development, procurement, supply chain management and logistics.

He is due to begin the role in January 2027.

Hood said: “Having worked with the business for many years as a strategic customer, I have seen first-hand the strength of its customer relationships and product capability and how it has grown into a fully integrated food business with a clear identity, bold ambitions and strong values. I am excited by the opportunity to help build on that.”

“I look forward to getting to know the business from the inside, working closely with both customers and suppliers, exploring focused innovation-led growth opportunities, and unlocking untapped potential across the portfolio. By bringing our customer insight, product expertise and manufacturing strengths together, we can help shape the next generation of UK food businesses.”